Broad and French beans

Growing an early bean feast

Broad beans are one of the first – and easiest – veg I grew. It’s possible to sow directly in autumn or February in sheltered, southern gardens, with well-drained soils, for a May harvest.

However, I wouldn’t recommend this in the north, if you have a damp or clay soil (which warms up slowly in spring) – the beans are likely to rot, or be eaten by mice.

Potted guide: broad beans

You’re better off sowing under glass in deep pots in an unheated greenhouse in January/February for planting out in late spring.

If you want to sow direct, try autumn or from March-early May – stagger the sowings every fortnight, for harvests throughout the summer.

Choose a well-drained site improved with compost or well-rotted manure. Sow seeds 5-7.5cm deep and 15-23cm apart, depending on the variety.

Sow in single rows 45cm apart or double rows 23cm apart with 60cm between each row. In raised beds, space 23cm apart. Sow a few extras to fill in any gaps.

Tall cultivars, such as Aquadulce Claudia need staking. I’ve also grown The Sutton, which is compact for exposed, windy sites and doesn’t require it. When the lowest truss of blossom has formed small pods, pinch out the tips to promote fruit set and reduce blackfly.

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Mandy Watson is a freelance journalist and an incurable plantaholic. MandyCanUDigIt grew from the tiny seed of a Twitter account into the rainforest of information you see now. Gardening columnist (Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette, Hartlepool Mail), Teesdale Mercury Magazine editor. Attracted by the rebellious, exotic and nerdy. Passionate about northern England and gardens everywhere. Falls over a lot.